06/10/2015

Starting on June 1 of this year, a new icon started showing up on internet-connected computers running Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. It’s called “Get Windows 10” (or GWX) and appears in the taskbar near the clock. Here’s an example:

In case you haven’t already heard, the app behind the icon is an invitation to reserve your free upgrade to the Windows 10 operating system.

The upgrade won’t actually be available until July 29, and the installation is not automatic, so there’s a bit of time to consider the possible consequences or complications of going ahead with the upgrade.

What we want to touch on here are a couple of Gardenware-specific issues that you’ll probably want to consider.

First and foremost, if you have not yet made the upgrade from any of the Gardenware 32.x versions to the current Version 10, you need to do that before upgrading to Windows 10. Gardenware versions 32.123 and earlier are not compatible with Windows 8, 8.1 or 10.

I know from many conversations with customers over the last few months that a lot of folks are hesitant to move away from Windows 7 for any of a number of reasons, and so have stayed with our version 32.123. However, since one of the biggest changes in Win10 when compared to the Win8 versions is a return to a more “7-like” interface, and because the upgrade is free, well, I won’t be surprised if people start to change their minds about leaving 7 behind.

Such a change of heart would be completely understandable. However, if you want to keep and convert your existing data, don’t forget to upgrade your Gardenware software first!

Is it possible to upgrade Gardenware after changing the operating system? Yes, it should be, but it will be simpler to accomplish while still using Windows 7 if for no other reason than that you’ll be using an interface that you’re already familiar with.

Remember that reserving your upgrade to Windows 10 does not mean that you’re required to install it right away. If I understand the literature correctly, you have a full year to make that choice.

There may be good reason to not upgrade immediately. There have been a number of reports of driver incompatibilities and buggy update processes, so it might be a good idea to wait a few weeks to see if problems turn up with the specific peripherals (printers, especially) that you use. It could be a pretty tense situation to find that you’re facing a failed upgrade install or a printer driver that doesn’t work when you really need to make tags or signs.

There are likely hundreds of articles about the Win10 upgrade on the web, but here’s a pretty concise one that’s aimed at typical Windows users that can answer a lot of general questions about the “Get Windows 10” application and process.

11/11/2013

We've done some testing with our Version 10 program on the latest release of the Windows operating system and are pleased to report that we have not discovered any problems with the update.

We also simulated an update to an existing system that already had Version 10 loaded on it, and the result worked as expected, as well. So, if you're like so many other Win8 users who have been frustrated by the lack of a Start Button and obvious access to your applications, Microsoft has attempted to bring some order back into your life.

"Some" order... Win8.1 is still likely to have a somewhat frustrating interface for most users, but it's better than the original release!

Just a reminder: Gardenware 32.123 and its predecessors will NOT run on any version of Windows 8. If you're running an older version of Gardenware and are considering updating your computer, you will need to upgrade to Gardenware Version 10.

09/06/2013

The answers to those questions depend on which version of Windows you are using and which version of Gardenware you are using.

The general answer is that there are folders within the Gardenware folder designed to store a logo or logos for each type of label that the user plans to print. Those labels may include the One Inch Loop Lock Tag, the Pot Stick, the Jumbo Sign (6.5 x 5 inches) for use without a photo, the Jumbo Sign for use with a picture, the 8.5 x 11 inch Poster in portrait orientation and the Poster in landscape orientation.

Because each of those labels has a different space available for a logo, each one will likely be similar to, but different than the others. Storing logos for each type of label in its own folder allows the program to display the appropriate logo or logos when printing each type of label. A number of users have multiple logos for various labels depending on how they are to be used such as “Jim’s Design & Landscape”, “Jim’s Garden Center”, “Jim’s Farm Market”, etc. Some wholesalers store their customer’s logos and deliver plants already tagged with their customer’s logo printed on the back, as well as signs (also with their customer’s logo) to help sell the plants.

If you are using Gardenware 32.123 or earlier, and you made a default installation, the folders will be located in the GWIN32 folder under your C:\\ drive. I am using Windows 7 and with my system it looks like this… It is easy to find.

Gardenware Version 10, however is a different story. The “Best Practices” recommendation by Microsoft has it buried in a folder that is normally a “hidden folder” . The official path is C:\Program Data\Gardenware\GWlabeling.

Realizing that this is a little cryptic and possibly confusing, our clever programmer, Mark, provided an easy shortcut directly to this folder from the program. Here’s how… At the bottom right corner of the Main Menu there is a big button labeled “Library Information and Repair”.

Click on it. The screen will open. On the upper right side of the screen is a bar/button that looks like this…

Click on it and you will be taken directly to the folder that contains all of the Gardenware program files. The folder is basically the same for either program. It should look similar to this…

You can see the folders named Jumbo, Poster, Poster Landscape and Sign. The purpose of these folders and a couple others that are not visible in this screen shot is to store specific logos for printing on specific labels and signs. Here is a list of which logos to store in which folders so they will be available when you print.

Sign or Store in folder

Tag Logo named

Jumbo sign (2 up) printed with picture

Jumbo

Jumbo Sign printed with no picture

Sign

Poster in Portrait format 8.5 x 11

Poster

Poster In Landscape format 11 x 8.5

Poster Landscape

1 Inch strip (back side) Loop Lock Tag

Weight and Measure

One-Inch Tag

Pot Stick – (back side)

Weight and Measure Pot Stick

With your logo properly sized and stored in the appropriate folder, when you are ready to print, simply click on the Graphics/Text option bar…

The screen shown below will open. Drop down the list of stored logos (you will likely have just one).Select the logo you wish to use and click Save Settings and Exit. That is the logo that will print on the sign and that selection will remain selected until you change it. You need not repeat this selection process unless you need to use a different logo.

It will print like this…

As always, if you have questions or if we might be of help, contact us. We are at your service.

12/17/2012

Gardenware offers two versions of our widely used label
and sign printing software. We are often
asked, “What’s the difference? We always
want the best to we probably should order the Complete package."

As the song title says, “It ain’t necessarily
so."

The truth is, for all label and sign making functions
both programs are identical! Both also
have the same installed library content.
The real difference is added functionality in Gardenware Complete that most users don’t need but can be extremely useful for those who do.

Gardenware Complete can be set up to be used on a network
so that more than one user can be using it at one time. Network setups vary a lot especially where
security and firewalls are concerned. If
you wish to run Gardenware on your network, the person or company you depend on
to keep your network running will need to set up Gardenware to run on your
network. Gardenware complete comes with
two licenses. Additional licenses are a
very reasonable $69.

If you are operating a Point of Sale program that can
export information such as the items on a Purchase Order – specifically the UPC
Bar Code, and optionally a price and quantity, Gardenware complete can pick up
the information in the file and make a pre-list of items for label
printing. Because Gardenware doesn’t
know which type of labels you wish to make for each item, we provide a
mini-spreadsheet for you to enter the quantity for each item for the
appropriate label. Then with a mouse
click, transfer that information to the appropriate Print Queue (print list)
and print your labels. This handy
feature makes it easy for users of most any Point of Sale program to make their
labels by simply importing the list rather than selecting the items one by
one. It is important that both the Point
of Sale system and Gardenware have the same UPC Barcode number for each item.

Another feature of Gardenware Complete is the capability
to export a file that contains all new items added to the library as well as
any changes to library items (such as price) since the last export was made.
Most Point of Sale systems can import this data, helping keep both systems up
to date. Gardenware users who have
allowed the program to automatically assign UPC Bar Codes have found this to be
a very time saving feature when they decided to adopt a Point of Sale
system. All their plant materials already
had UPC Bar Codes and the items were available in file format for use with
their new POS system.

If you would like to explore these features give us a
call. We can answer questions and even
do an online demonstration.

To summarize: Both Gardenware packages are identical as
far as making labels and signs, as well as the installed libraries. Gardenware Complete has additional
functionality that can be valuable and time saving depending on needs.

11/06/2012

Well, the blog has been quiet all summer. It is time to crank things up once more.

It is time to discuss Windows 8. Let’s skip to the conclusion first!

UNLESS YOU ARE PURCHASING A NEW COMPUTER,
UPGRADING TO WINDOWS 8 WILL PROBABLY NOT
BENEFIT YOU.

To do it safely (and in several situations
to do it at all) will take a fair amount of work on your part.

This really applies to any computer user,
but for Gardenware users in particular, proceed with caution.

If you are the adventurous type and insist
on living on the bleeding edge (and you use Gardenware software), don’t upgrade
to Windows 8 without calling us first to be sure that you have your data backed
up to an external device and that you have a plan to restore it. Please read this article to learn what you
may be facing and avoid an avoidable unfortunate experience.

(Sorry about all the heavy stress there, but we think it's important.)

Windows 8 is designed to lead the way, for Windows users,
into the era of integrated computing with the operating system, or at least a
version of it, on your computer, your tablet and your smart phone. They will all work the same way. Your data, or at least some of it, will be
available to each of those devices. They will all have touch screens. Your
tablet may well become your computer. It
sounds intriguing and makes good sense. We
will all probably end up there someday. The
point is that “someday” isn’t here yet.

Windows 8 is available as an upgrade from Windows XP (on
well equipped XP computers), Windows Vista and Windows 7. What you will need to do to make things work
for you, however, depends on which exact version of Windows you are using. Below is a snip taken from the COMPUSA
website.

“Your upgrade
experience will depend on what version of Windows you currently have. For
example, if your PC is running Windows 7 Home Basic or Home Premium, your
files, programs and settings will easily transfer to Windows 8. If your PC is
running Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, Windows XP or Windows Vista, you'll
need to reinstall your programs. Some features (like those that support
touchscreen) may require a new PC.”

To re-state a little more simply: Unless you are running Windows 7 Home Basic
or Windows 7 Home Premium, you will need to find all your programs and
re-install them.

Additionally, you will need to back up all of the files
you want to continue using with Windows 8 (including your e-mail) and restore
them after WIN 8 and your programs are installed. You will need to find all of your passwords
for password protected programs as well as modem/routers, wireless internet,
networks, social websites, your e-mail and everything else you use that
requires a password. You will need to
locate drivers for all the equipment you have that needs them in order to work
such as printers, scanners, some auxiliary drives, some auxiliary screens, your
graphics card, some microphones, etc.
Basically you need to set up your computer all over again.

Windows Home Basic or Home Premium versions, however,
will do an “overlay” installation and will, in theory, put all your programs,
data, drivers, etc right back the way they belong. However, it is recommended that you back up
all your data to an external hard drive and have all that other information
available “in case anything goes wrong”.
I suggest you check out Seth
Rosenblatt’s article “How
to upgrade to Windows 8” on CNET.

That article has a link to another CNET article on how to
prepare your computer for Windows 8 that includes instructions on how to get
back to where you were before installing Windows 8 – just in case you don’t
like it.

My impression of WIN 8 so far…

I have had Windows 8 installed on my computer for a
couple of months for the purpose of testing Gardenware. WIN 8 is installed on my computer as a
“virtual machine” and is totally independent of my Windows 7 computer so I
haven’t given up anything - yet. The
opening screen and the way you get around is certainly different and to me was
quite confusing at first. It seems that a number of things that I need from
time to time are hidden or not obvious. Here
is a link to a video that demonstrates about how I felt when I first
experienced WIN 8. I went online and
found a video short course to get me to the point that I had at least some idea
of what to do next. Once I found that
the desktop was available and very similar to Win 7, I became more
comfortable. The opening screen with its
“Tiles” is certainly much more like a smart phone than like any Windows system
we have used and I can certainly see it leading to touch screens.

As I have read
online and in computer magazines Win 8, like anything else technological, can
be confusing at first but is just one more thing to learn to use and find your
way around. Once learned I’m sure it will become second nature as the previous
Windows systems have. Once you get past
the opening “Tiles” things work very much like Windows 7, which is only an incremental leap from Vista and XP.

Gardenware Version 10 seems to work just fine on WIN 8. We have, however, had some problems with our
installation routine. It has refused to
work in a couple of instances but has worked in others. We have been working on that problem and
believe we have a solution. It will
require complete testing but hopefully we will have it ready to go before long.

Gardenware Version 32.123 (or any older version) will not run on Windows 8. We have maintained this version for customers
who have older, less powerful computers. Anyone who has a computer that meets
the Windows 8 specification can run Gardenware Version 10. But, again, don't abandon that older machine or operating system until you've made sure that your data will restore properly. Just call us!

Conclusion re-visited.

Unless you are
purchasing a new computer, we don’t see any real benefit in installing Windows
8 at this time.

PS – If you purchase a new computer or decide to upgrade
anyway, HEREfor a
rundown of shortcuts that are not obvious.
HERE is a link to a very useful
site with a lot of keyboard shortcuts to help get around WIN 8.

PS 2 – If you are on the desktop or in an application (we
used to call them programs) and want to get back to the Start (Tiles) screen,
just press the Windows key on your keyboard (the "wavy window" graphic).

09/04/2012

Lately we have had a number of customers who have decided
to use Point of Sale systems to automate the checkout process. Point of Sale is generally a good thing, but
there has been some confusion or lack of knowledge regarding barcodes and how
to use them. We’ll try to give some
insight and understanding to help any of you who are considering using barcodes
or are interested for future consideration.

This is, unfortunately, a big, potentially confusing
topic. That’s probably the reason for
the questions and challenges that have cropped up lately. Making assumptions about the format, or even
assuming that a customer fully understands what they’re asking for can lead to
huge amounts of confusion, wasted time, and wasted effort. If you are considering using UPC codes, or
are being asked to provide them for a customer, it’s a very good idea to
educate yourself about the UPC system.

There are many graphical identification systems in use today, but we’re going
to limit this discussion to UPC barcodes, specifically UPC-A
format. This is the system that
Gardenware supports, and it’s all but universally recognized in the US, Canada
and Latin America.

“UPC” stands for
Universal Product Code. It is the
one you see on all the products at the grocery store and almost everywhere
else. You may also see it referred to as
a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).

The UPC system can be used in two different ways, and
Gardenware can support either (or both).
You may use registered codes, or private (also known as “store”)
codes. It’s very important to understand
the distinction between the two, and the way that each is implemented:

Registered codes are the ones you see most
often, and that’s the type we’ll be covering first. If you’re supplying to a major retail chain,
this is the very likely what you’ll need to know the most about. If you are supplying to retail outlets that
sell to the public, this is likely what you’ll need to know the most about.

Unregistered (private) codes are used within a
private system. A retail garden center
is a good example of this, and Gardenware is set up by default to work with
unregistered codes. These codes will
only work accurately within a single business.
They follow exactly the same layout shown above, but use the leading
digit of 4, allowing the user to make use of the vendor code and the reference
number as needed.

(It’s not a bad idea to have a basic grasp on the whole
system, but if you’re a retailer and want to skip past the background info,
you can scroll down.)

The key point to grasp here is that no-one
can simply “make up” UPC codes and expect them to work properly. That’s not the way the system works.

Within the
registered realm, the UPC system depends on each item (product, plant, etc.)
that is distributed by a manufacturer, grower, vendor, etc., having a unique
UPC Barcode number to identify it.

To make the system work so that each manufacturer,
vendor, supplier, grower, etc. is able to provide unique barcodes on each of
their products, the system must somehow be administered or governed. The governing
organization was formerly known as the Uniform Code Council but is now called
GS1US. They maintain the standards and
determine product classifications.

In the case of registered UPC codes, GS1US assigns the
first six (or nine, in some cases) digits.
These make up the UPC Vendor Prefix.
The five (or two) digits following the Vendor Prefix are used by the
individual manufacturer, supplier, grower, etc to assign an individual number
for each item they offer. The last number is a check digit, and is determined
by a formula. Its function is to confirm the accuracy
of the order of the preceding digits, catching errors such as transpositions.

If you are a grower or supplier who needs to provide
barcode numbers for your customers, there are a couple of ways to proceed. GS1US
is an obvious source. With them, you apply
and pay for a company prefix and a series of item reference numbers. Most of the specifics regarding UPC-A
codes have been distilled from the GS1US site.
If you need more detailed information click HERE to visit there.

A second approach would be to deal with one of the re-sellers
of UPC Barcodes. Use caution here,
however. Please do your research and be
sure that the vendor is legitimate and that you’re getting valid codes. Regardless of who you pay, the codes still
have to be generated and recognized by GS1US in order to be valid and unique. Legitimate aftermarket vendors always
purchase their codes from GS1US.

The more common
way that UPC codes are used with Gardenware:

If you are a retailer, selling direct to the customer
there is good news. Years ago, the
Uniform Code Council reserved the leading digit of 4 for in-house use. That means that you, as a retailer, can
assign any barcode number beginning with a number 4 to any item you sell to
your customers.

By default, Gardenware automatically assigns a UPC
Barcode number with a leading digit of 4 to each new price line you enter.

This is important, especially considering that many
retailers deal with growers who do not supply barcoded plant materials and also
because they often purchase the same item from several different growers or
suppliers. It is also important to
know that there are no standard UPC barcode numbers for nursery stock,
perennials or annual items. Each grower
who provides Barcoded material will give you a different barcode for the same
item.

Now, imagine a situation where, as a retailer, you have
purchased Azalea Mandarin Lights in No. 5 containers from three growers who do
provide UPC Barcoded plants. They will
have three different Barcode numbers. In
addition you purchased No. 5 Mandarin Lights from a supplier who doesn’t
provide bar coded labels. You may let
Gardenware assign a UPC Barcode with a leading number of 4 to No. 5 Azalea Mandarin Lights and make labels for the plants
that don’t yet have them. You may also
instruct your Point of Sale system to do a lookup when it reads the Barcode
from the other three growers to assign the same price as you already assigned
to the plant and to reduce your inventory accordingly. This eliminates the need to keep track that
single item 4 times.

Some Gardenware users, as a matter of course, remove most
supplier-provided labels and re-tag with Gardenware labels printed with their
logo and information for consistency and promotion.

There is a somewhat more detailed discussion of UPC
Barcodes on our website. Click HERE .

Feel free to contact Dennis or Scott at Gardenware if you
have further questions.

05/08/2012

Now that all of you Version 10 users have downloaded the updates to the Gardenware Backup and the Gardenware Labeling programs, I think a discussion on Backups is in order.

If you don’t wish to read further, please read and heed this:

IF YOU ARE USING VERSION 10, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST (BEG, PLEAD, IMPLORE…) THAT YOU USE THE GARDENWARE-PROVIDED BACKUP/RESTORE UTILITY PROGRAM IN ADDITION TO WHATEVER OTHER BACKUP SYSTEM YOU MAY HAVE IN PLACE.

It’s very difficult to overstate the importance of backing up your critical files. That’s why you hear about it (or are nagged about it) so often. It’s very easy to think that data loss “won’t happen to me”, but we can tell you for certain that it can, as we have to help people attempt to recover data several times each week. We get almost as sad as our customers do when we discover that there are no files to be recovered!

Because backups are important, Gardenware has included a Backup/Restore utility program for the data that has been included with the Gardenware Labeling installations for Versions 32.54 through 32.123 as well as the newer Version 10. They are quick and easy to use both for the backup and restoration of your data.

Many Gardenware users do periodic backups of their hard disks to an external hard disk. Others use CDs or DVDs. Still others back their drives up to the cloud with a subscription service. Up to a point, these are all valid methods for backing up most data, but they don’t provide the most effective way to restore your Gardenware data. And, as hinted at above, they do not provide any straightforward way to restore data for Version 10.

For recovering from a catastrophic crash, most programs (including Gardenware) need to be re-installed onto the new hard disk or the new computer. If the files had been backed up only to another device or the cloud as part of a total backup, each of the files necessary to restore your Gardenware data will need to be identified (with our help) and copied from the backed up files and to the appropriate folders on the newly installed hard disk or computer. (Again, this isn’t an option with Version 10.)

However, if you have used the Gardenware Backup/Restore utility all you will need do is insert the CD or Thumb Drive that holds the Backup, start the Gardenware Backup/Restore utility and click on Restore. The Backup Restore utility will handle the rest automatically.

There are a number of Gardenware users that use this routine to keep files synched between computers. They do work at home in the evening on Gardenware, back it up then restore it to the computer at the store so everything is current (or even back up the store and restore on the home computer if changes were made at the store).

Backing Up Data with Version 10:

Because it’s the newest and most critical to be used, we’ll start with Version 10’s backup options. Unlike with previous versions of the program, restoring your data with Version 10 is not simply a matter of copying and replacing files. The provided backup program makes simple restoration possible.

Important Note: With any database, before backing up or restoring your data be sure that the Gardenware Labeling program is closed.

If you haven't done so already, please be sure that you have updated your backup program using the link provided in the previous post. Use that link only if you are using Gardenware Version 10. If you're unsure of the version you're using, please call!

The Backup/Restore utility for Version 10 can be found in the Gardenware Program Group. Go to your Start Button, click on Programs and look for Gardenware. Click on the name to open it and you will find the Gardenware Backup name and icon. Just click on it to run. (I put a Gardenware Backup icon on my desktop for easy access. Just hold down the CTRL key then click on and drag the icon to a blank spot on your desktop.)

The Backup/Restore utility program for Version 10 has the option of doing a Full backup which contains all of the data as in previous versions plus all photos and logos that are stored in folders that are within the GWLabeling folder. A second option is to back up the Database Files only. The Full backup can take a long time if you have a lot of pictures stored in folders within the GWLabeling folder and is recommended after you have stored new pictures. The Database Files backup should be fairly quick. It is recommended that the Database Files backup be used regularly.

There is detailed information for using Backups and Restore on the screens as well as in the HELP system. Just click on HELP or press F1 when you are viewing the Backup/Restore screens.

Versions 32.54 through 32.123

It remains a very good idea to use the automated backup/restore function if possible with these versions, but failing to do so comes with less-dire consequences (as long as you have your files backed up somewhere where you can find them).

You will find the Backup/Restore program in the Gardenware32 Labels Program Group. Click on your start button, then click on programs. Look for Gardenware32 Labels. Open the program group and you will see the Backup-Restore Data program. Just click on it to use it. Instructions are on the screen.

The Backup/Restore utility for Version 32.123 and previous versions backs up data only. That includes all library descriptions, prices and print queues. If you have a version prior to 32.123 or use Version 32.123 complete it also backs up price lists and the most current Label Request. If you use the Purchase Order Module it also includes all Purchase Order Data. The Backup/Restore utility for versions 32.123 and older do not backup photos or logos. The Backup/Restore utility for V 32.54 through 32.123 compresses the files and stores them in a folder named GWZIPDAT.ZIP (most current computers hide the ".zip" part, but it's the same file). You may copy that folder to a thumb drive for easy storage off premises or you may direct the program to backup directly to the thumb drive. You may also use CDs but the thumb drives are easier, more convenient, and less wasteful.

Please note: If you are using Gardenware 32.123 on a Windows Vista (64-bit) or Windows 7 (64-bit) computer, the backup utility program does not work with these operating systems. The easiest way to backup would be to back up your Gardenware folder. Users of Gardenware V32 will find the folder GWIN32 in the root directory of the C:\ drive unless the installer purposely placed it elsewhere. Should you need to restore from this folder, call the office at 503-717-9295 for a list of the files that contain your data.

04/10/2012

If you use Version 10 of the Gardenware program please take the time to read this.

You may have thought we forgot about you. I’ve missed both February and March articles. Well, we’ve been busy and we suspect you have too.

We do have news, however, for those of you who use Version 10. We have an update for you. Programmer, Mark, has set things up so you may download them directly from our GWSupport server. They will be available to you 24-7. There is no cost to you for these updates.

Did you notice that I used the plural? There are actually two downloads. There is a new version of the Backup/Restore utility program as well as Gardenware Version 10.

Backup/Restore & Gardenware SupportScreen The Backup/Restore Program options are expanded and more useful.

When you do a Full Backup, all of your data and all of the pictures and logos that are stored in theGardenware Labeling folder will be backed up. If you have a lot of pictures, the backup can take quite a while but in case of a hard disk crash can be very useful. That would be a good reason to store your photos in the folders provided for you in the GWLabeling folder (pictures stored elsewhere will need to be backed up by some other method).

The second backup option, Database Files, backs up your data only. That includes all new Library entries, Price Lines and Print queues. We suggest making a Full Backup after you have added more photos than you care to do again, in case of catastrophe.

Database Files should be backed up regularly. You might consider dedicating a thumb drive to Gardenware backups and keep it off premises. We have customers who have experienced fire, theft, vandalism and lightning strikes as well as the more common hard disk crashes.

If you find that you need to restore, there are options as well and if, after reading the instructions on the screen and the HELP screen, you have any questions don’t hesitate to call. Remember – if you don’t backup or can’t get your hands on your backup you can’t restore.

There is also a new screen available in the Backup/Restore utility. In the upper right of the screen you will see Gardenware Support in a dark blue text. Click on it and the following screen will be displayed.

This screen is useful in locating and installing Gardenware updates and other files we might wish to make available. It will automatically unzip zipped files for you and install them where they belong.

Gardenware Labeling Version 10 update

The changes to the program are minor but they fix a few issues and add a few conveniences.

Shirley Pekosh of Peck’s Green Thumb in Cedar Rapids, IA found a genuine bug. She discovered that some library items had a totally incorrect common name – a name that she didn’t put there. Programmer Mark discovered that it can happen when the user clicks on the Use Customized Text feature for editing a description. If the Save and Exit button is clicked but no changes have been made to the description, the program may insert an incorrect common name. So far Shirley and Hannah with Focal Point Gardens in Arundel, ME are the only ones who have reported it. Mark squished the bug and has included a fix in the update that will prevent future occurrences. The update will also automatically scan your libraries and correct any misnamed items that you might not have caught.

I discovered that the Memorized Price Lines window was displaying Price Lines in the order of entry rather than sorting by size. This means that those of you who use this really nice new feature might end up with price lines for No. 1 containers, for example, scattered throughout the list. With the update, the Price Lines in the Memorized Price Lines window will be sorted and displayed based on the Size/Brief Description field.

You will find a new button on the label selection screen to Delete All Price Lines. I found It inconvenient to delete several lines one by one to get rid of a list of price lines that was no longer relevant.

Carol Newcomb of Northland Rosarium in Spokane, WA complained (rightly so) that when she entered a new variety to the library and clicked on Save Changes and Exit, she was returned to the plant Library List display, to the first item in the library and not at the plant she had just entered. She would then have to find the plant before she could use it. This has actually been the case since our first windows program was released. No one complained, not even me! With the update, when you enter a new plant and Save and Exit you will find your new entry is automatically the highlighted plant. Thank you Carol!

We learned that with Windows 7, Microsoft discontinued the distribution of the Arial Narrow font that we have used so widely. We have found a new font that has very similar properties of easy readability and narrow spacing to allow more words in less space for use with plant descriptions. It is called Liberation Narrow. It will automatically be installed to your computer if the update program does not find Arial Narrow already installed. It will be displayed for selection with all of your other installed fonts.

Yes, we’ve been busy and now it is your turn:

Here’s how to download your Backup/Restore and Gardenware Labeling updates….

Because there are several Internet Browsers and many ways a user may set up the "preferences", we can't give step by step or screen by screen instructions.

All browsers provide the opportunity to Save the selected file. Internet Explorer, and possibly others, give you the opportunity to Run the selected file directly without saving it. While the option is yours, we suggest that you Save the file. You may save the files wherever you wish. If you have a folder or location where you save your dowloads, by all means use it. If you don't, saving the files to your Desktop is very convenient. The important thing is that you are able to find the dowloads after dowloading so you can install them.

Once saved, simply find the file and click on the filename to install.

Google Chrome automatically saves the files to it's History folder but provides a small window at the bottom left of the screen showing the downoad status. When downloaded, simply click on the filename in the window to install.

ISSUES

Gardenware is not a well known name to browsers like Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and others. It is also not a well known name to security systems such as Microsoft's, Norton, Kaspersky, Bit Defender, etc.

When you begin your download, the browser security system will inform you that the file is of questionable safety and the publisher is unknown but you will be given the option to continue anyway. It is safe to continue.

When you begin the installation of the files, your system security will inform you that the publisher is unknown and the file may be harmful to your computer. Again, click on whatever your security system provides to "continue anyway".

Most browsers provide a dowload status indicator. Be sure the download is complete before attempting to install. Please be sure to leave your browser window (and the specific tab, if applicable) open during the download, or you may terminate it prematurely.

When you click on a filename to initiate the download, this screen will be displayed.

A click on the Dowload Your File button will begin the dowload. The Backup/Restore update is a small file and should download in just a few minutes. The Gardenware Labeling program download will take appreciably longer.

With all of that in mind, click on the address below to download and install the update to the Backup/Restore program Version 10.0.4

01/05/2012

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a HAPPY, HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Once again this year we will be exhibiting at the MANTS trade show in Baltimore, MD Jan 11, 12 and 13. Find us at Booth 2001 in the far back right corner of the show. A lot of regulars enter the show and head to our corner as an ideal place to begin their tour of the show. That way they end up at the entrance and don’t have to fight the crowds that begin at the front of the show. Look us up!

As we head into another sales season I thought it might be a good time to discuss a utility in Gardenware that we suspect many if not most Gardenware users haven’t yet discovered or made good use of. GLOBAL CHANGES to PRICE LINES is a selection on the Main Menu. It was designed to help save a lot of time when price changes are necessary or when inconsistencies creep in to your prices such as having similar size containers listed as 1G, 1 Gal, 1 Gallon, No. 1 and # 1 scattered throughout your libraries. GLOBAL CHANGES makes short work of such things.

I have put together a video that shows how GLOBAL CHANGES works. The screen layouts are a little different in Version 32 and Version 10 but the functionality is the same with both versions and both are discussed in the video. To view the video click HERE.

Many of you are aware that we have posted a number of instructional videos on our website but if you were not aware, HEREis a link to them.

We look forward to working with you again this year.

As usual, should you have questions or need support be sure to contact us. We still offer on-line demonstrations, refresher sessions and when warranted, on-line one to one help.